Manjummel Boys Director Chidambaram: Chidambaram S Poduval, the director of the 2024 Malayalam hit Manjummel Boys, has been charged by Ernakulam South Police after a woman filed a complaint. The incident allegedly took place in 2022 at her apartment in Elamkulam, Kochi. He reportedly trespassed and behaved inappropriately with sexual intent. The charges include Sections 74 and 75 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for outraging modesty and harassment. However, some reports mention IPC Section 354 because it happened before the BNS timeline.
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Incident Details
The complainant claims that Chidambaram entered her flat without permission and acted inappropriately. Police referenced pre-BNS IPC Section 354 for the 2022 incident in some reports, but mainly BNS because of procedural changes. There have been no arrests so far. The investigation involves gathering evidence and conducting interviews.
Industry Reaction
The Malayalam film industry is in turmoil, facing a swift response to premature judgments as Chidambaram stays silent. Supporters point to his success with Manjummel Boys, a survival thriller that earned over ₹200 crore. They call for a fair investigation before damaging his reputation. Critics, on the other hand, seek accountability and compare the situation to previous #MeToo cases in regional cinema.
Ongoing Investigation
Police have started a thorough investigation. Chidambaram is expected to be questioned. His arrest will depend on the evidence. The FIR currently relies only on the complainant’s statement and highlights the importance of supporting survivors in these situations. This situation examines how India’s laws on workplace harassment in the entertainment industry are changing.
